Ray Charles & Oscar Peterson Play A Blues Duet - Very Rare

Very Rare Television recording of a blues duet by Oscar Peterson (p), Ray Charles (el-p) and a Studio Big Band including Louie Bellson (dr)
Extract of a television show of Oscar Peterson, on CBC (Canada) in November 1974.

[@Sprinterfour]

I attended the recording of this TV show over three days in Toronto back in 1974. Took many photographs and got each performer's autograph on each. I grew up with Oscar being my Dad's best friend. It was pretty cool.

[@pamelamacneil1331]

Is Oliver Jones your father?

[@ChrisCadenhead]

That’s incredible! Was he as great a person as his music says?

[@jimstreeter9016]

I lived a very interesting childhood. We would go over to Oscar's penthouse apartment at Christmas time and Oscar would play Christmas carols for us.

[@user-ob1zo4dw2g]

@@pamelamacneil1331 He probably died, His comment was 13 years ago

[@fitulus]

@@user-ob1zo4dw2g Maybe he's taking a shower but can't find shampoo and is still searching

[@amtrakatsfnyc]

I believe that the song they are playing is an Oscar Peterson composition entitled "Blues for Big Scotia". This is a session that shows the brilliance of both artists. May Oscar and Ray rest in peace. I truly miss them.

[@ididso1]

I only wish that this generation would take time to listen to , understand the true meaning of genius and respect what these two have contributed to the world of music and entertainment.

[@philipsarkol9572]

Two Giants....and a great hornsection...

[@TheEyalklein]

Ray played on a Fender Rhodes electric piano and the song calls Blues for Scotia, it's a great swing blues song... love it !!! thanx for the post

[@ramallenann]

The technical genius of Oscar and the soulful genius of Ray. What more could you ask for? Two masters show how it's done for us mere mortals.

[@shemmariano3316]

This is jamming of the Titans.

[@sactiger2817]

Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson and Louie Bellson... damn, that's too much talent on one stage!!

[@peterlemoine]

My dad used to take Ray from the train station in Bunkie, La. to the Evangeline Club in Ville Platte, La. to play, in the late forties..

[@rickym6301]

Ray is having so much fun! The man is practically jumping out the seat! Amazing duet

[@DRUGGYJUGGY]

Pure heavan. How lucky we all are to be able to watch such fantastic musicians. bob Beadman. Hong Kong

[@1mommas]

One of the greatest joys of my life, to meet Ray Charles. What a talent what a gentleman. Always remember and love his talent.

[@firefighter390]

It's fun to listen to those who love to play and play for the love of music!! You can just feel their emotions flowing out of this as they play.

[@user-es7rm9gb5g]

Who can wish for more then these two playing the blues together

[@TNTQc]

Nice times! I wasn't born in 74, but I really appreciate the old stuff like this. Can't go wrong... Oscar and Ray for a boogie time!

[@deepkeel65]

Ray Charles always knew EXACTLY where that mike - and everything else - was. Blind folk get hip to their surroundings in ways we sighted folks will never fathom.

[@tevinwebb]

Two amazing human beings may their spirits live on forever 🕊🕊…

[@Elizabeth5291]

A great find.

[@SupremePianosNY]

Can't get more fun than that!

[@AjSjMusicNYNJ]

Two difference sounds, Ray on Fender Rhodes and Oscar on the grand! AWESOME!!

[@voyetra27]

That's the shit! Ray takes a killer Rhodes solo in the 2nd half.

[@Propellermusicgroup]

Terrill Fisher Thanks, Terrill! happy Easter to you, too!

[@jdizzlekeys]

Doug Hall just searched for this video and saw this comment. 5 years later on Easter Monday. Happy Easter to anyone who’s reading this during the Covid crisis. Stay safe.

[@jaschaheifetz]

Wow! Ray Brown and Louie Bellson, Oscar and Ray! That is some kinda' rhythm section! We were so lucky to have had days like that.

[@TheRudydog1]

This has gotta be one of the best posts I have ever seen and heard. Period!

[@queenladybug1702]

Absolutely 💯

[@DaPaulPhilips]

One of my favourite ever live performances by two phonemenal pianists .... Oscar the virtuoso forever humble and Ray the natural genius overflowing with soul & vitality .... I dare you not to feel this music!!!!

[@charlesstaples1963]

Oscar and Ray two amazing pianist I've been up many a night listening and enjoying the old Jazz greats (happy I'm retired). WE have some very good up coming folks but the likes of Mr Charles and Mr Peterson will be my first choice always.

[@2dasimmons]

I'm with you on that. WORD.

[@charlesstaples1963]

Female vocals Ms Billie Holiday, Ms Nina Simone, Ms Roberta Flack and, Ms Nancy Wilson, Wonderful.

[@2dasimmons]

I AGREE. And would like to include my fav, Sarah Vaughan. Shalom.

[@charlesstaples1963]

And quite as it's kept Della Reese Etta James can't be left out.

[@2dasimmons]

Yes, Della Reese and dear Etta James are great. Etta tears up Misty on THE BLUES IN THE NIGHT CD recorded at Marla Gibbs' Memory Lane Nightclub BACK IN THE DAY. It is superb with Jack McDuff on organ and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson and Red Holloway on sax. DIVINE!

[@BeRosie1]

man o man o man!

[@blackjitsu3860]

One of these guys was the 2nd best musician on the stage.

[@the83rdtrombonist60]

One of the best comments ever

[@2dasimmons]

Well Ray Charles always deferred to Oscar Peterson as the virtuoso. Much like OP deferred to Art Tatum as the virtuoso. Beautiful! May all these musical giants RIP.

[@boomtao]

That was a great clip! Ray Charles played a lot better than I would have expected. Oscar is very kindly trying not to outshine Ray.

[@nathanperrin6296]

This sums up the very definition of joy and happiness for me

[@sdavidfreud]

This is pure...just pure blues feel from two of the great piano masters.

[@SpLcSherilyn]

This video makes me so happy watching two legends together!

[@sleeve51]

Whoever posted this gem, thank you!

[@pianoman1316]

WOW! UNBELIEVABLE!

[@howardharris4522]

Ray...could he be the best jazzist pianist performer ever

[@bobjuke1]

Brilliant !!! Fabulous posting!!

[@ALBARO9147]

Il faut absolument restaurer ce document !

[@cleycormack1165]

Show destes dois monstros sagrados, em Novembro de 1974 no programa de Oscar Peterson na CBS do Canada. Maravilha e pouco. Divino ! Quem sabe? Cley Cormack, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil 17/01/2014. Obs.- Muito obrigado, freakyflob91, pela bela postagem deste video.

[@Tomico.]

Is any band or anyone out there today playing this kind of music today? I just fell in love with this stuff! Amazing!

[@andrewcampbell-bluespianop6741]

Two piano legends right there, love it!

[@halsterhof]

Two all=time great piano men together....and even if Nat 'King' Cole was both of their inspirations...they sure don't sound like the "King" Cole. Man, it don't get better than these 2 dearly departeds.

[@jamesspicer4644]

the way it is suposed to be!!

[@VJM1966]

Spectacular! Thankyou for this!!

[@LiamMusicPerson]

2 amazing musicians, 2 amazing people

[@Tomico.]

Love the way they talk to each other!! So positive, hard to find it in today's World!!

[@Chyix2]

Wow! Thank you so much for uploading this :) This made my day!

[@flugkranzable]

love this song been listening for 2 years cant get enoug h!!

[@chickenlykken]

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@makemyday7849]

I just stumbled on this gem of a clip where two of my favorite people appeared together. I had assumed that they had never met. The only regret I have is that Ray did not do a rendition of Hymn to freedom by OP. I believe it would have been something to listen to. RIP maestri.

[@preskociil]

Dvaja najlepsi pianisti na svete. Two best pianist in the world.

[@Ken2Kanzeon]

thank you so much for uploading this! it's such a gem!

[@patpratico4424]

That was such a feel good blues to get you swingin' strong!

[@bruce_daddy]

It's synced quite well actually, if you watch Oscars' hand, and the body language of the brass section. Ray just loved syncopation so much, that he head bangs on the off beat lol. I love how much Ray is feeling Oscars fills around 4:00. Ray was music.

[@klavier1us]

Thanks for this fantastic post of OP and Ray doing "Blues for Big Scotia" . Rays intro was a tribute to Nat Cole who he and OP were just talking about. Notice the opening riff is a lift/tip of the musical hat to Nat's opening for "Sweet Lorraine" (1:29). The audience appears to initially think that is what they will hear. I wish there wasmore, and yes -this is when talent was regularly on the telly, not "Idols".

[@HebrewYisrael]

Simply mindblowing!!! TWO Greats

[@roop46b]

This is why the word Cool was invented!!!!!!

[@2dasimmons]

I do too. Brilliant man, as is Peterson. They're beautiful men, very personable and entertaining.

[@urmeier]

Just got this video, outstanding memory! Thanks!

[@IsaDesOsiers]

FreakyFlob91 Thank you! This is mind blowing! Just so brilliant.

[@perchst]

I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Peterson in Oslo 9 years ago. What an inspiration. Ray Charles is also a huge inspiration, but unfortunately I didn't have a very good experience going to see his show around that same time. He should have retired sooner I think, because that concert was sad, especially when one thinks about what he has done in the past. He is still a legacy though.

[@RichardFeynmanRules]

A moment of pure musical magic! What an incredible thing to have this performance saved for the ages. WOW! Thanks so much for posting this video. It's a great gift.

[@keemyfoke]

thank you

[@exjazzbassbaz]

fantastic those were the great days my friends when swing was the thing many thanks freaky.

[@ReclinerParty1]

Ray: We just like to be left alone... XD

[@guweck]

Thank you very much for this gift that hit directly into my soul.

[@camcoop25]

Very Rare? Not anymore, thanks for the upload.

[@Gocardinals0688]

YES!!!!!!

[@daveyboy731]

hi forget the technical stuff guys they are two great piano greats enjoying themselves playing blues man GREAT

[@2dasimmons]

Wow. Ray was such a musical phenom s was dear Oscar Peterson. Jamie Foxx did a great job playing Mr. Charles in 1994's RAY. Now I eagerly anticipate the biography on Stevie Wonder, another blind virtuoso. THRILLING.

[@murph5438]

Just call this soul on soul-- fantastic stuff

[@WalterEdom]

Ray and Nat -what a combo that would have been

[@donnyob123]

And on the drums Ladies and Gentleman - Mr. Louie Bellson - These men were artists.

[@2dasimmons]

Thank you for the post. It's a real treat to see these (2) master performers together. Bless you, freakyflob91, you made my evening:-)!!!!

[@nevada1981]

this is the first time i ever seen them two together. wow. oscar is always oscar. and ray is playing tasty too. ray is playing a little different here. great clip!!!!!

[@bobdrayer2900]

Awesome piece of history!

[@WildBillCox13]

Wow, was that FUN! Thanks for the post, man!

[@Lcd4lbad]

wow wow wow!!! INCREDIBLE!!!!!

[@jedivish]

my dad had this whole show on VHS. Am looking for it

[@hawkrider88]

Look out! Man, this was great!!

[@encarnitacollado.5709]

ray inolvifable gracias por subirlo

[@newstart2009]

There was a Jam session on youtube some time back from this same show when Norman Granz introduced Lockjaw and all the others ....and at the end of the video Oscar thanks Ray Charles....this is my first time seeing this portion.

[@lilejamie93]

I almost died watching this!! OMG!! Ray&Oscar on one stage..! my 2 fav piano players! This was crazy! again, I almost died!!

[@duke62778]

What a treat!!!!

[@bestak0s]

veryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy niceeeeeee,thanks :DDDDD

[@tekadikt]

Awesome video, thank you!!!

[@rogerrrubin]

day getting down,,,,,,,,,dat;s da blues----whoa dat brass....

[@jonhart5234]

This comes from a CBC (Canadian Broadcasting) 1 hour program called "Oscar Peterson, Very Special" in the early 80's (in good quality color), featuring so many greats like Ray, and a Norman Grantz presentation of JATP with Roy Eldridge, Zoot Zims, Clark Terry, Ray Brown, Louis Belson and so many others. Man, I wish someone can post that show on KZbin in its entirety.

[@flugkranzable]

This is the best video ive ever seen.....ps love the sound of that Electrik P ray plays,

[@Glemerful]

Jazz piano bliss - thank you.

[@kayounk]

AHHH Yes Brother Ray, Love'em

[@NicholasOFwgktaovoxo]

beautiful

[@herbertwells8757]

A monster groove. Really dug that.

[@elsueco3802]

Amazing!

[@nunicorng]

This is Jazz-Blues ar its best, Thanks for the post

[@2dasimmons]

You're right! I remember seeing Stevie Wonder perform on Dancing with the Stars and the cast was amazed at how well he got around.

[@PSYLLA2020]

Thank you!!

[@ppjjazz]

que maravilha! that's a really great video!

[@berryblissstudios]

You can see in piano players like these two as well people like art tatum, and bill evans and all those great jazz guys, when they play you can see the pure joy they get from playing! Thats how it should be.

[@cob1965]

wow.

[@peraltaortiz]

amazing .

[@antoni7515]

yeah i agree, theres only count basie and ray who can successfully duet with oscar. He's so damn good everyone just cant keep up with him. he's simply in a league of his own. Oscar's the man, but ray is just on fire in this vid too! what a duet this is! thanks for posting. ;-)

[@Kaknelson]

thank you, what a combo